History of Girls Inc of Shelbyville/Shelby County

The first Girls Club in Shelbyville was formed in October of 1971.  The club opened in October of 1972.  Full
National Girls Club Membership was granted in June 1973.  The Girls Club had a number of different
directors, programs, and volunteer board members over the next 20 years. Membership varied from the
beginning from 800 to approximately 500 yearly.

In 1991, the Girls Club started some major changes of its own, which would take almost six years to
complete.  Girls Club of America had changed their name to Girls Incorporated.  The Shelbyville Club
adopted the new name and started a re-organization.  Name change, program change, new times, different
staff, and a new Board of Directors would set a new course for Girls Incorporated of Shelbyville/Shelby
County.

In 1992, the members of the Board of Directors of Girls Incorporated attended a long range planning retreat.  
The members discussed the feasibility of raising money, finding land and building a permanent home for
Girls Incorporated.   A committee was formed and a capital campaign was launched.  Shelbyville and Shelby
County businesses and residents generously donated 2.7 million dollars to complete the vision of a new Girls
Incorporated home.

In March of 1995, the contract for the construction of the new Girls Incorporated building was awarded and
construction beginning in May 1995.  Nearly one year later, in April of 1996, Girls Incorporated moved into
a new home at 904 South Miller Street.
Girls Club Entrance at the Armory downtown
Shelbyville ~1975
Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be
strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to
millions of American girls. Innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their
value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, & fulfilling lives.
Who We Are
About Us
Our mission is to provide a safe and positive environment to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Girls Incorporated of Shelbyville/Shelby County     904 S Miller St, Shelbyville, IN 46176     317.392.1190        A SCUFFY organization